Computer-implemented system and method for evaluating the diagnostic state of a component

ABSTRACT

A distributed computer-implemented diagnostic system for determining a diagnostic state of a component. The component exhibits measurable characteristics. The system includes a database that stores reference component characteristic data. A computer server is connected to the database, and a computer client is connected to the computer server via a network. The client computer provides data requests to the server computer in order to retrieve the component characteristic data from the database. A portable computer is connected to the computer client in order to have data access to the retrieved component characteristic data and to provide the component characteristic data for performing diagnosis. The diagnostic state of the component is determined based upon the retrieved component characteristic data as provided by the portable computer and upon at least one of the measurable characteristics of the component.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of, U.S. patent application Ser. No.09/593,798, filed Jun. 14, 2000 now U.S. Pat. 6,421,791, of which isincorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates generally to a computer-implemented systemfor evaluating a diagnostic state of a component exhibiting measurablecharacteristics, and more particularly, to a networked distributedcomputer-implemented system for evaluating a diagnostic state of acomponent exhibiting measurable characteristics.

2. Discussion

Computer-implemented diagnostic systems are used by a wide variety ofservice industries. For example, in the automotive industry, a servicetechnician requires particular vehicle data to assist him/her introubleshooting a vehicle problem. When troubleshooting a particularcomponent, a service technician may require known good vehicle valuesand/or where to locate a component.

The current method of distributing this information is by providing thetechnician with a hardcopy manual or by providing them with a CD ROMwhereby they can download the information into a personal computer. Atypical vehicle dealership may have only one PC per service department.The information pertaining to a particular vehicle is located on this PCand several users may need to access the data concurrently. Technicianstherefore are typically waiting to obtain information to diagnose avehicle. Another disadvantage of the current diagnosis approaches isthat the service technician is unable to remotely access the datarequired to repair or to gain knowledge about a particular component.The service technician is further hindered if the component data is outof date or being utilized by another technician. These presentapproaches experience certain disadvantages in performing diagnostics inan efficient and effective manner.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention overcomes the aforementioned disadvantages as wellas other disadvantages. In accordance with the teachings of the presentinvention, the present invention includes a distributedcomputer-implemented diagnostic system for determining a diagnosticstate of a component. The component exhibits measurable characteristics.The system includes a database that stores reference componentcharacteristic data. A computer server is connected to the database, anda computer client is connected to the computer server via a network. Theclient computer provides data requests to the server computer in orderto retrieve the component characteristic data from the database. Aportable computer is connected to the computer client in order to havedata access to the retrieved component characteristic data and toprovide the component characteristic data for performing diagnosis. Thediagnostic state of the component is determined based upon the retrievedcomponent characteristic data as provided by the portable computer andupon at least one of the measurable characteristics of the component.

In another embodiment of the present invention, the present invention isdirected to providing a computer-implemented diagnostic system forevaluating an electrical component and relaying this data to the servicetechnician. The data consists of measured values of known good circuitsfor components. The current, voltage and resistance is measured andrecorded on a table. The data also includes information pertaining to acomponents such as location, sizing, and general requirements. The datais stored in a database. A technician can retrieve this information bymeans of a personal computer which is connected via a network (such asan Internet network) to a computer server. By retrieving the componentinformation from the Internet server, the technician is assured accurateand up to date information. This information can be stored in thepersonal computer. Another feature of this invention is that a portablecomputer may be connected to the personal computer, whereby the portablecomputer can store the retrieved component and/or training tutorial. Theportable computer can also be detached from the personal computerallowing the technician the ability to compare the retrieved componentdata with the measured values at a remote location.

Various other features and advantages will become apparent to oneskilled in the art after having the benefit of studying the teachings ofthe specification, the drawings, and the claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The various features and advantages of the present invention will becomeapparent to one skilled in the art upon reading the followingspecification, in which:

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of the distributed computer-implementeddiagnostic system.

FIG. 2 is a flow chart of the overall process steps of the distributedthe computer-implemented diagnostic system.

FIG. 3 is a flow chart of the process steps for acquiring and processingvehicle information to be stored preferably in a database.

FIGS. 4 a–4 c depict data tables of known good measured values ofcertain vehicle components that are stored in the database.

FIG. 5 represents a table whereby the vehicle measurements are takenwhen the engine is operating in a specific mode and recorded.

FIGS. 6–10 are screen displays depicting an exemplary diagnosticoperation of the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

It should be understood from the outset that while the drawings andfollowing discussion relate to a particular embodiment of the presentinvention, this embodiment merely represents what is presently regardedas the best mode of practicing the invention and other modifications maybe made to the particular embodiment without departing from the spiritand scope of the invention.

Referring initially to FIG. 1, a computer-implemented diagnostic systemis shown, generally designated 10, which includes a database 22.Information from the database is sent over a networked system to aportable computer 30 which performs diagnostics in the field uponvehicle 33. Database 22 is preferably a relational database wherein thedata is stored in a relational manner.

Database 22 stores electrical component characteristic data and atraining tutorial 12. The electrical component characteristic datainclude values, such as, current, resistance and voltage of circuitswithin the component. These values are measured when the component is ingood working order, recorded and utilized by the technician whendiagnosing the component. The training tutorial provides generalinformation about vehicles and their components.

A computer server 20 is connected to the database whereby the server ispreferably a secured Internet server. This server acts as a provider ofthe database information 22. The computer client 24 is connected to thecomputer server 20 via the network 23. Network 23 preferably is a globalcommunications network, such as an Internet network.

The computer client 24 allows the user to retrieve the component data orthe training tutorial. A portable computer 30 is connected to thecomputer client 24, and is capable of storing and retrieving thecomponent data and training tutorial 12. The portable computer is awireless unit and preferably is a computer personal digital assistant(PDA) unit or lap top computer that is capable of visual display andaudio functions.

The portable computer 30 allows the technician to diagnose vehicle 32 atremote locations in the field. A technician uses measuring devices tomeasure certain characteristics of vehicle 33. For example, an ohmmeterdevice can be used to measure the resistance of an electrical componentof the vehicle. The measured resistance is then compared with theappropriate resistance value retrieved from database 22. The comparisonforms the basis of the diagnosis. If the retrieved value and themeasured value are not within a certain amount from each other, then aproblem has been detected. It should be understood that other measuringdevices can be used as is appropriate for the situation at hand and inorder to measure the component that is needed to be diagnosed. Forexample, voltmeters and current measuring devices can be used.

In the preferred embodiment, a cradle is used to provide data accessbetween the portable computer 30 and the computer 24. An exemplarycradle are cradles that are used with PDAs (personal digitalassistants). However, it should be understood that the present inventionincludes using alternate data access methods, such as the portablecomputer 30 having data access directly with a computer client (as shownat 35) and not using a cradle to perform that connection function. Insuch an embodiment, the portable computer 30 can use radio frequency orother types of wireless communication methods 43 for communication withthe computer client 24. Still further, another embodiment includes theportable computer 30 communicating directly with computer server 20 (asshown at 37) via a wireless communication method 43. Other wirelesscommunication methods include using a cellular phone to obtain therequired data from the remote database.

FIG. 2 shows the overall process flow 50 of the present invention.Commencing at block 54, electrical component characteristics (such asthe current, resistance, and voltage values of a particular circuit) ismeasured and recorded in a database. Additionally, an training tutorialwhich includes general information concerning a vehicle is stored. Inblock 56, a computer server is connected to the database. Block 58 isthe connection of the computer client to the computer server whichallows the computer client to retrieve the stored component and trainingdata.

At block 60, a portable computer is connected to the computer client.The portable computer stores the component and training data thusallowing the user to retrieve data at a remote location. At block 62,the vehicle identification number can be entered to indicate the vehicletype into the portable computer or the computer client, and a comparisoncan be made between values stored in the database and the measuredvalues. At block 64, the component characteristics and/or the trainingdata are retrieved based on the vehicle type via the vehicleidentification number. In block 66, the retrieved component and trainingdata is stored whereby the user can access this data in order to performvehicle diagnosis. The technician measures a particular component basedon a problem the vehicle is having. An ohmmeter or voltmeter is used tomeasure the component, represented by block 68.

Next, block 70 indicates which retrieved value is to be displayed. Forexample, the technician may be diagnosing a problem with the vehicle airconditioning unit. While diagnosing the technician will use the portablecomputer to retrieve the stored known good vehicle values. A table isdisplayed showing which values are available and the technician canselect air conditioning values, thus providing him/her with accuratemeasured circuit values.

Block 72 depicts the step whereby the technician compares the retrievedvalue(s) to the measured value. Moving to block 74, the technician bycomparing the known good value of the circuit and the measured valuedetermines whether a problem exists and then uses the tutorial data tofix the component problem and determines. Block 76 depicts the stepwhereby the technician when determining the fix, can input componentservice requirements, and a bill of materials and/or warranty data,and/or purchase order can be generated, block 78, based from thetechnicians input of component requirements.

FIG. 3 shows the overall process steps when determining which vehiclewill considered for data acquisition and measured for information to bestored in the computer-implemented diagnostic system 100. Decision block102 determines whether a particular vehicle is a special fleet vehicleor special service vehicle in use by a majorfleet. Otherwise, thevehicle is not acquired nor measured for known good vehicle values andprocessing terminates at block 106. If decision block 102 determines itis to be processed, then decision block 104 determines whether this samevehicle has at least an 18% market share. If so, at decision block 108it is determined if the vehicle produced by the manufacturer is “OnBoard Diagnostic 2” (OBD2) compliant. Otherwise the vehicle is notacquired nor measured for known good values. However if it is, decisiondiamond 110 determines if the vehicles use a bussed electrical center.If so, decision diamond 112 determines if the vehicle is readilyavailable for research, development and validation. Otherwise, thevehicle is not acquired nor measured for known good vehicle values.However if it is, then a research and development team leader isassigned to ensure accurate and timely data is completed on the vehicleat process block 116. This data consists of measured circuits, such asthe air conditioning circuit. The circuit is measured for current,voltage and resistance and stored in a database. This is the known goodvehicle values that are recorded in tables such as those illustrated inFIGS. 4 a–4 c.

Block 118 assigns a research and development start time, and block 120assigns the end time. A data input specialist is assigned to the vehicleat block 122. This specialist locates and acquires the vehicles neededto obtain data information at block 124. This specialist also identifiesall vehicle powers and grounds on the vehicle at block 126, and removesfuses one at a time to identify affected circuits at block 128.

Block 130 depicts the step whereby the circuit fuse type is consideredwhen measuring the circuit. If the circuit fuse is not a maxifuse,measurements are taken with the engine running. Decision block 132determines if scan tools output controls are available. If so, then thecircuit is cycled with the scan tool and meter readings are noted on aresearch and development form at block 134. A non-limiting example of ascan tool is a DRB III for assessing a Chrysler vehicle. Otherwise, theprevious four steps are completed for each circuit at block 136. Block138 depicts that a scan tool is connected to the vehicle and data ismeasured while the engine is in a variety of modes, such as key onengine off and key on, and engine running (FIG. 5 provides an example ofthis table).

The next step is to locate and open each ground at the vehicle and tonote this information on the research and development form at block 140.Block 142 depicts where special notes and operating characteristics areto be reported. These notes are helpful to the technician that isdiagnosing a particular vehicle. The vehicle can now be returned tonormal operating condition at block 144. The last step in the process ofcreating the database is to send one copy of the research anddevelopment form to the validation group and one copy to the inputspecialist at block 146.

FIG. 4 a is an exemplary table of known good component values as showngenerally at 200. The table is arranged by the amperage measured valueat column 204 the fuse name at 206, and the common circuits of aparticular vehicle at 208. The common grounds are reported in the columnshown at 210. Data such as other/discrete or scan tool data is placedwithin column 212. Included in this table are columns wherein thetechnician notes the actual operating voltage dynamic, 214 the actualmeasured amperage dynamic 216, what the relative change is 218 and theactual measured maximum amperage 220. Included in the table is a placeto note what type of vehicle is being tested as shown by referencenumerals 230 and 232. Additional space 234 allows the technician caninput special notes or operating characteristics. More specifically,this table labels the common circuits, such as the Coolant Fan #2 244and reports its operating current value of 15 amps 240. Additionally,the fuse name Cool Fan 2 at 242 is recorded. The technician compares thereported known good amperage value of 15 amps shown at 240 with ameasured value of a problem vehicle.

FIG. 4 b continues to represent similar vehicle values that have beenreported for known good values in FIG. 4 a. This exemplary table showsadditional common circuits at 262. Circuits, such as the PowertrainControl Module shown at 268 reports additional data such as power for 5volt regulator as shown at 266. This additional data may be required bya service technician when running vehicle diagnostics.

FIG. 4 c is an exemplary table of known good values for the underhoodjunction box that houses maxifuses as shown at 280. This table providesthe service technician with the accurate amperage rating for aparticular maxifuse circuit. For example, Ignition Switch A shown at 286has a known good amperage value of 40 amps as shown at 282.Additionally, the fuse name is labeled as shown at 284.

FIG. 5 is an exemplary table whereby component characteristic values arereported when the engine is operating in a specific mode as shown at300. Parameters 302 such as engine speed, and desired idle speed aremeasured when the key is in the on position, and the engine is off 304.Also these same measurements are acquired when the engine is in idle andthere is a normal operating temperature as shown at 306 as well as whenthe engine is operating at 2000 RPM as shown at 308.

FIG. 6 represents the security screen that is displayed on a personalcomputer whereby the customer must enter their username and password toobtain access to the component characteristics and/or the training data.FIG. 7 represents the screen that is displayed on a personal computerwhen the customer is determining what vehicle to access for retrievingcomponent characteristic or tutorial training data.

FIG. 8 represents the screen that is displayed on a personal computerwhen the customer chooses a particular vehicle line in which to obtaincomponent characteristics or training data. In an alternate embodimentof the present invention, the software to run the diagnostics isdownloaded and after it has completed diagnostics, it can be deleted toregain precious memory space thereby allowing the user to make circuitmeasurements with the portable computer and compare the measured valueswith the known good values that are stored in the database.

FIG. 9 represents the screen that is displayed on a personal computerwhen the customer seeks to store the retrieved information of thecomponent characteristics or training data in their personal fileholder.

FIG. 10 represents the screen that is displayed on a personal computerwhen the customer chooses the training tutorial, and more particularlythe training on the Basic Engine Construction.

The present invention has been described in an illustrative manner. Itshould be understood that the terminology which has been used isintended to be in the nature of words of description rather than oflimitation. Many modifications or variations to the present inventionare possible in light of the above teachings.

For example, the present invention is applicable to diagnosing afurnace. In this non-limiting example, the present invention includesusing a portable computer (such as a lap top computer or a PDA) toretrieve known good values of furnace components and to compare them tomeasured values of the furnace components. The comparison forms thebasis for the diagnosis.

Furthermore, more than electrical values may be measured and used withinthe system of the present invention. For example, different types ofmeasurable characteristics (such as chemical and mechanicalcharacteristics) of components can be used within the system of thepresent invention. This includes but is not limited to torque, pressure,weight, viscosity and other measurable characteristics of a component.Therefore, within the scope of the following claims, the presentinvention may be practiced otherwise than as specifically described.

1. A method for evaluating the diagnostic state of a componentcomprising: Identifying, using a personal computer, a componentcharacteristic having a measurable value; communicating the componentcharacteristic from the personal computer to a computer client;connecting said computer client with a computer server having a databasethat includes component information; retrieving, by said computerclient, said component information from said computer server database soas to obtain retrieved component information; communicating theretrieved component information relevant to the component characteristicfrom the computer client to the personal computer, measuring a value ofsaid component characteristic of said component; and formulating adiagnostic state of a component based upon said retrieved componentinformation and the measured value of the component characteristic. 2.The method according to claim 1, wherein said computer server is asecured internet server and wherein said computer client is communicatedwith said computer server via a network.
 3. The method according toclaim 1, wherein said portable computer is communicated with saidcomputer client via wireless communications.
 4. The method according toclaim 1, wherein said component information is responsive to operationalcharacteristics of said component.
 5. The method according to claim 1,wherein said component information is responsive to physicalcharacteristics of said component.
 6. The method according to claim 1,wherein said computer server database is a relational database, whereinsaid component information is stored within said computer serverdatabase in a relational manner.
 7. The method according to claim 1,wherein said communicating includes accessing said computer serverdatabase via said computer client, wherein said computer client isaccessed via a portable computer.
 8. The method according to claim 1,wherein said retrieving includes communicating an information request tosaid computer server, wherein said information request includescomponent identification.
 9. The method according to claim 8, whereinsaid component identification includes a vehicle identification number.10. The method according to claim 8, wherein said retrieving includescommunicating said retrieved component information to a portablecomputer, wherein said retrieved component information is responsive tosaid information request.
 11. The method according to claim 1, whereinsaid retrieving includes storing said retrieved component informationinto a portable computer.
 12. The method according to claim 1, whereinsaid formulating includes examining said component so as to determine acomponent characteristic.
 13. The method according to claim 12, whereinsaid examining said component includes measuring operationalcharacteristics of said component.
 14. The method according to claim 12,wherein said formulating includes comparing said componentcharacteristic with said retrieved component information so as todiagnose a component problem.
 15. The method according to claim 1,wherein said formulating includes determining service requirements forsaid component.